The National tribune., 1887-08-25
ST. LOUIS.

a solid group Of magnificent homes, approach
ing two miles square. which st. Louis can safely
challenge any city in the United States to
match.
There are not simply one or two show ave-
nues over which the stranger is hurried IN
wondering admiration, while cheek by jOwl in
close neighhOrhOod are other streets where pow
erty herds In sQualor aud dirt, near companion
of wealth. ST. Louis has its palstial residences
which have cost above ahundred thousand dol
lars each but il is not Of these il cares most 10
boast, although they are numerous and lmpos-
ing. Half dozen cities could be named, per-
haps, any one of which can show residences
more costly than any in st. Louis. With more
ploasurahle pride ST. Louis points 10 the uni
form, equal development of lis residence quar-
ter.
The same high average Of domestic architect
ure greets the eye in any direction il may
turn. Street succeeds street thickly built up
for block alter block, without intervening bald
spots TO mar the effect.
BRICK AND STONE
are the sole materials employed, for st. Louis
is solid and substantial throughout its entire
corporate limits, the fire regulations rigidly
barring the use Of wood in the body Of build
ing. Out Of the more endHring materials
architectural effects Of infinite variety and
effect have been evoked. Especially is this the
case in the extreme western belt Of the resi-
dence quarter, where have been erected during
the past two years great number of new aud
costly dwellings Of quaint aud picturesque
type, blending the forms Of modern and me-
dieval taste.
West of this section is a beautiful plot Of land,
extending about two miles 10 the principal park
OF the city. Through il charming boulevards
make paths 10 the park, and along them a won
derful improvement is going on. Many mag
nifcent and costly dwellings are in course Of
erection, and the activity Of the building now
in progress affords realizing idea of the po-
tent vitality Of ST. Louis. Beyond the borders
Of the city are several
SUBURBAN ADDITIONS,
where the freedom 20 employ wood has result
ed in pleasing variety of villa architecture,
contrasting strikingly with the more solid aud
substantial city FORMS
These suburban Jewels make a fitting crown
for the city, but the choicest gems in its bril-
liant diadcm are seven exquisite public aud
semi public driving parks OF spacious area and
rare beauty, which hang on its brow in a con-
nected chain Of loneliness. Aggregating some
thing over 1900 acres in extent. they are so
distributed as 10 afford an easily-accessible
breathing spot and leisure ground for every
quarter of the city. Decorating and surround
ing the city waterworks. at the point where
the northern boundary line Of the city leaves
the river, is the first Of this chain OF parks.
One mile mp the picturesque. swelling line OF
bluff is OFallOn Park; mile TO the south OF
that is the Fair Grounds 10 all practical pur-
poses a public park; three and half miles
southwark again is the famous Forest Park
southwark again one mile are Tower Grove
Park and Shaw's Garden. while three miles
beyond is Carondelet Park, on the extreme
southern boundary of the city and in sight OF
the river, three-quarters OF mile away.
These are the largest OF the city's parks, but
il has many more Of smaller area. In all
MORE THAN TWENTY
verdant reservations Of beauty have been SET
apart, and half dozen Of these have been SC.
cured for the use Of the veterans during the
coming Encampment. On their velvet lawns
tents sufficient 10 accommodate thousands OF
old soldiers will be pitched amid the most
lovely sylvan surroundings. These are all in
easy reach Of the central business section, and
though surrounded by thick-built city, are
Of large area and beauti6ed 10 the highest mark